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The Tories aim to force Labour to stick with Brown

An early launch makes it harder for Labour to change leader

By George Eaton

Even by modern standards, the Tories have launched their new poster campaign with breathtaking speed and efficiency. One reason for this is that an early launch increases the chance that Labour will be forced to stick with Gordon Brown until the election.

The earlier the parties get locked into the cycle of attack and counter-attack, the more unfeasible one final rebellion against the Prime Minister becomes.

The Tories continue to fear that a change of leader by Labour at the eleventh hour could offer the party another chance with the voters. Today’s launch makes it likelier than ever that Labour’s would-be leaders will keep their powder dry.

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